Swiss Alps 100 I The Pain Cave

The Swiss Alps 100 was my goal race for 2022. An epic Ultra adventure in the awe inspiring Swiss Alps that pushed me to my limits. Ultra Running is more than just a race. It's a battle against ourselves, where we face the worst of ourselves. We enter deep into the pain cave and have the choice of getting buried with the worst of ourselves, or light the fire that will bring out our best. I invite you into my pain cave and the incredible fight against myself to get over the finish line of the Swiss Alps 100.
- Strava: / strava
- Instagram: / rafael.eduardo.hidalgo
- Facebook: / rafaelhidalgorunner
- Nutrition: www.baouw-organ...
Join me, Rafael Hidalgo, on my ultra running adventures as I balance life as a full-time father, husband, and employee. In this video, I'll share my experiences, tips, and the breathtaking trails I've discovered along the way. If you're looking for motivation and inspiration to hit the trails, you've come to the right place! Don't forget to subscribe and hit the like button to support my journey and stay updated on my latest ultra running experiences. Let's conquer the trails together! 🏃‍♂️🌲🏔️

[@JeffPelletier]

Great work on both the run and the film! I loved the storytelling and informational tidbits throughout.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks a lot Jeff! Was a great adventure! These journeys are a great way to learn more about ourselves and our world 🙏

[@swissalps100]

Most epic race video of the Swiss Alps 100 so far! Thank you, Rafael, for running the 100k this year and for producing this incredible video. We hope we can welcome you back again.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

A big thanks to you guys for organizing such an epic course!! Absolutely stunning setting and incredibly well organized!! A must-do race for any trail runner looking to discover the best of Switzerland 🇨🇭!! 🙏

[@nicograf9745]

Thanks for sharing this journey with us and successfully finishing it! Really wonderful filming, editing and commentary. It was also really cool to see you in Jeff Pelletier‘s UTMB coverage video. I did not expected to see you pop up in that. 😃

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks a lot Nico! It certainly was an epic voyage! An odyssey within myself. I hope it will inspire others to find that internal fire. Next film will be on UTMB as i followed the front runners and also Jeff 😁

[@a_s_9]

This video made me tear up. I ran Swiss Alps 100k back in 2019 and it was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. Watching this brough a wave of emotions and memories. It inspires me to sign up for the big 100 miles in 2023. I needed this. Thank you!

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks so much for your kind words and support! I’m stoked this motivated you to go the big 💯!!

[@paulhoulden]

Amazing mate! great well made film, you speak better English than me and its my mother tongue haha!!

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Haha thanks a lot!!! Stoked you enjoyed this epic journey in incredible Switzerland and into the depths of my pain cave!

[@justincoleman7856]

Hey there, just watched your video as it came to my feed today. I am just curious as to what software program you use to display the stats for the video? I really like how the program presents the information as it seems very inviting and keeps the viewer wanting to watch til the end.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks a lot for encouragement ls 🙏 i used final cut pro for most of the editing. I also used after effects for the map editing.

[@ianl4518]

Another beautiful film and your thoughts echo what a lot us feel Rafael. I've had a pretty bad season with some DNFs and disappointment but your film really gave me some much needed perspective and lift. thank you

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks a lot Ian! Sorry to hear you had a difficult season! Hope 2023 will be better and hope to see you on one of the races!! Never give up! And keep up the good spirit!

[@dmayolopez]

Awesome mate!! Love it. You have described it better than anyone!!

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks a lot David! I tried my best to describe that inner fight. I’m stoked you enjoyed it!! 🙏 thanks for your support!

[@ervinslens]

Absolutely brilliant presentation bud, this was narrated and so professionally! What a masterpiece! 🗺️🥾🥾

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate the kind words and support! Makes the effort of making these films really worth it!!

[@joecrump9]

Great video, very inspiring. If you don’t like heights how did you find the mountain trail runs?

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks! As long as I’m on hard ground I’m good haha but a bridge… knowing that there is a void just beneath that plank of wood scares me haha

[@sebastianmichel6540]

Wow. So epic! Thanks for sharing this! It's the best I've ever seen.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks so much for your kind words!!!

[@marcow191285]

Great job buddy! The cut, the music, the comment, your athletic performance. Congrats! Looking forward to the registration for the SwissAlps100 Miler 2025. Greetings from Switzerland!

[@rafaelhidalgo]

@@marcow191285 thanks a lot!! You will enjoy that race it’s great!!

[@SeeChadRun]

New subscriber! Absolutely amazing film and journey! Well done and congratulations on the race! I loved seeing the beautiful views and joining along with you and your experience.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks so much!! Really appreciate the support!! 🤩 🙏

[@booAHHHH]

Really enjoyed your motivation for doing this. For your brother and father. I’m going to try my first 100 next year in honor of my girlfriend who was murdered 6 months ago. Thank you for your inspiration.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks for your message and deeply sorry to hear what happened to your girlfriend. That is horrific. My thoughts and prayers and with you… use that inner anger and sorrow to turn into a fire that will propel you to greater heights 🙏

[@booAHHHH]

@@rafaelhidalgo thank you brother

[@YnseSchaap]

Whenever I see something like this I think "they do it so I don't have to" and I'm grateful for that - A solo hiker 😁

[@rafaelhidalgo]

😂😂😂😂

[@papipaapo]

Racing the same distance this Saturday, second 100km ultra... going through a lot of emotions already. I think this is the best video to prepare myself

[@rafaelhidalgo]

@@papipaapo thanks!! Have a great race!!

[@aidanobyrne4805]

Great video brings back a lot of memories. That climb to Breithorn almost broke me but so beautiful in the fading light. Good to exchange a few words on the switchbacks goin down to Grengiols.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Hey! Great to read you! Thanks for dropping a few lines! Was great meeting during the race. Next time we should grab a beer at the finish if we arrive before bed time haha hope to see you in another race in 2023!

[@gajahrachmatk6943]

Great video and pictures. This is go pro ?

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks! Yup GoPro 9 🎥

[@fredericguyard334]

Great filming as usual ❤ So next step is Western States ??? You have to enjoy the heat there 😂. Let’s hear about your next adventures !

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks a lot Fred! WS100 is on my list but next year it’s (hopefully) UTMB 🙏 i will probably do a series on the “road to UTMB” if i can get in. Thanks for following 🙏

[@run_like_buck]

Stunning video! Really liked the look of the race untill I saw that bridge :o

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks Andy! Haha I guess you suffer from the same heights issue as me, but the course is so beautiful you will muster the courage to cross it just like me 😁and its a Swiss quality bridge so nothing to worry about 😄

[@shawnr.9681]

Very inspiring narrative over a wonderfully edited video. Awesome performance and determination. + 1 subscriber Thank you!!!

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks so much Shawn! I did several other films, don’t hesitate to check them out 😃

[@dannyreevesrunning]

This was absolutely beautiful Raph. The constant themes of soul, fulfillment, achievement, inspiration, purity through pain, and inexpressible beauty made this a great watch!

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks so much Danny, really appreciate the support 🙌 i try my best to reflect the emotions and feelings that I experienced during this odyssey.

[@RunGlenn]

Thank you for making this video! I'm 100% making this my WS qualifier for the 2025 lottery.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Awesome!! Thanks for your message 🙏

[@michaelpassant2622]

Really enjoyed watching this film, beautiful scenery, I can definitely resonate with you about finding the balance between family work and training it's not easy, many of your comments are exactly how I feel when I'm pushing myself through that pain cave, keep up the good work

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks a lot Michael, really appreciate the kind words. It definitely makes the effort of doing these films worth it when I see comments like yours. Going Ultra is certainly a grind for many of us. We mostly see the success and ease of the elites, but we tend to forget that we are majority grinding through in these races, after probably sub optimal training because we actually have a life next to Ultra haha we are all in it together and I hope this film lifted your spirit to continue grinding through to live these epic odysseys.

[@javierz5829]

I don't understand very well because I have recently started to practice english. But this seems a great project. I hope you have many lucky.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Muchas gracias Javier! Ojala nos cruzamos en una carrera 🙏

[@Julian-pj2zi]

I really enjoyed your video. What an absolutely stunning route that is, incredible scenery 😍 great job. I've subscribed.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks Julian! Stoked you enjoyed it! Hope you also find inspiration in the other films 🙌

[@dianajohnston6032]

Congratulations! What an amazing race! :) Thanks for sharing your journey with us, it was a beautiful video!

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thank you Diana! 🙏

[@Ultrarunningamber]

I have a friend running this race this month and I was interested in finding a video. I found yours and wow what an amazing video and you you one special storyteller. Thanks. If only I was in this part of the world to run this.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks so much for the kind words Amber! Really appreciate it 🙏 hope your friend enjoys it! It’s a heck of an adventure!

[@MrTCFIRE]

Headed out there from the States tomorrow for the 50k...thank you for the inspiration!

[@rafaelhidalgo]

@@MrTCFIRE awesome! you’re gonna love it! Where are you based in the US?

[@MrTCFIRE]

@@rafaelhidalgo Boulder County :) in Colorado

[@rafaelhidalgo]

@@MrTCFIRE oh nice! Did desert rats race in colorado in April. I love colorado, so different from east to west! You will crush it. With you high altitude training you will breeze through haha

[@MrTCFIRE]

@@rafaelhidalgo :)

[@kevinholmes9230]

Amazing video. Beautifully edited and presented too. You have inspired me, sir !

[@rafaelhidalgo]

@@kevinholmes9230 thanks a lot Kevin! Stoked you were inspired! That is my goal 🙌

[@hinrichfuchs]

RESPEKTTTTT!!!!! Vor Deiner Leitung und dem wirklich genial geschnittenen & produzierten Film! Kannst Du noch mehr zum benutzten Equipment sagen - scheint ja seinen Dienst erfüllt zu haben. Was sind dies für "Zehenpflaster"? Zur Verpflegung hast Du den Link ja gepostet....

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Danke für deine Nachricht und deine Ermutigung. Ich werde versuchen, ein Video über die Ausrüstung zu machen, sobald ich kann. Es gibt viel zu diesem Thema zu sagen.

[@petraalma29]

How would you compare this to the SwissPeaks 100 when it comes to the terrain? To me this looks less technical than SwissPeaks, would you agree or is it similar?

[@sAnekRa]

I now watch this the fourth time... This film is just brilliant. I can't wait for the UTMB film.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks so much Samuel!! 🙏

[@peterconrad2159]

Chapeau ! An epic race with a very entertaining narration. Offering a deep view into yourself and your journey. Thanks a lot!

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks a lot Peter!! Really appreciate the kind words 🙏

[@johnaldrich611]

Fantastic video, I'm glad I found you and you made me put another run on my bucket list.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks!! It’s a great event and a great location! You’re gonna love it!

[@andrewopenside3224]

Rafael, your perspective, so eloquently conveyed, and the majesty of the Swiss Alps, so wonderfully captured, combine to form the most enthralling 55:12 journey.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thank you Andrew 🙏 your words are heartwarming; such support makes all the effort of making these films worth it!

[@svendeturck5533]

Very inspirational video - amazing story telling! Very pure!

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks a lot Sven really appreciated 🙏stoked you enjoyed it!

[@iterato1]

Great adventure, congrats! Thanks for filming and sharing.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks Ilya! Hope you follow the other adventures 🙏

[@anastasiafua]

brilliant raw honest and soulful. thank you so much for sharing.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks Anastasia! Your comment warms my heart!!

[@PatrickChareyre]

Très sympa le récit et bravo pour le résultat. Ps: le lien Strava ne semble pas être le bon.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Merci beaucoup Patrick! En effet il manquai un 5 dans mon numéro strava. Je l’ai mis a jour 👍

[@Seby-biketrial]

Wow beautiful views! I wish to do this race soon. From many vlogers i watched, you have the most profound inner description of what happens in a race, in the pain cave. It is like i hear my thoughts when i get in the pain cave in races :)) it changes every race in some ways. I love how well you found the words to express the human and soul journey in this races. Well done! Cheers from Seby from Romania.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks a lot Seby! Appreciate you taking the time to write 🙏 indeed the psychological and soul aspect of ultra is what interests me because that is where we go to search for energy when we are physically done. I hope you get to do this incredible race. It’s really worth it.

[@Seby-biketrial]

@@rafaelhidalgothanks for reply! Yes indeed! This is the reason i managed to progress fast (not my goal). In 2022 i barely did 21k, 1200m. and I thought I will do 30k 2000m because I want to believe I can. And I did it. Then I thought ok, next year i will do an Ultra 50k, 3300m. And i did finish it year. And I played with this, in the sense that mostly is in our mind - belief system. Not so much in a fantastic training. I felt so much more conected with my true self, my spirit doing trail running. Have a happy week!

[@rafaelhidalgo]

@@Seby-biketrial kudos to you!! Keep that mindset and you will go far in ultra running but also in life!

[@gustavogomez7331]

Congrats, you guys are awesome.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks!

[@fanax6420]

Amazing man ! How can you speak English so well?

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks! My mum is English 😉

[@wertuoso]

Good job! Nice video.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks!

[@andrewinpompey]

Great run, great film too!

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks Andrew! 🙏

[@hinrichfuchs]

Kannst Du vielleicht, bevor das entsprechende Video kommt.... schon mal einen Tipp bezüglich der Blasenpflaster geben und welchen Massage-Stab zu lieben gelernt hast? Ansonsten, ohhh ja..... die Fusspflege ist mit Sicherheit ein großes Thema, aber auch Riegel, Verpflegung (ja sogar im Allgemeinen) und all die vielleicht für Dich typischen "Nach- Zwischen oder Vorbereitungen" mit sonstigem Equipment um die Muskeln, Sehnen und Gelenke am Laufen zu behalten ;-) Wäre ein Traum!!!!

[@florianamstad3787]

wow, was für ein starkes Video! Du hast echt abgeliefert Rafael, nicht nur im Rennen, auch beim filmen und schneiden. Ich habe selten so eine tolle Berichterstattung gesehen, danke! Ich denke schon lange darüber nach, selber beim Swissalps 100 mitzumachen, danke für die zusätzliche Inspiration!

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Vielen Dank für Ihre freundlichen Worte! Danke, das ist wirklich herzerwärmend! Wenn Sie dieses Rennen machen können, empfehle ich es wirklich definitiv! Es ist großartig!! Sie werden die fantastischen Aussichten lieben!

[@RezaGholamir]

Thanks Rafael for sharing this amazing experience! I loved the video.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks a lot Reza! Stoked you enjoyed it! I did a couple if other films after that on my journey towards UTMB 😃

[@RezaGholamir]

@@rafaelhidalgo I watched all of them. Loved them.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

@@RezaGholamir thanks!!

[@muul]

Absolutely stunning movie, great job man! Keep it up. I love how you describe the inner thoughts, demons you are fighting, remembering your loved ones, perfectly put together. Definitely deserves a LOT more views.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks so much for your message!! Truly touches me!! 🙏

[@fahne1973]

Nice video, calm and inspiring story telling... the same day I made a training trailtour from Bellwald and passed a lot of runners... this year I possibly try to run the Swiss Alps 100, Greetings from Switzerland

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks a lot! Fantastic that you are considering doing this magnificent race!! If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out 😃

[@ethanwickline409]

Thank you for making this video. My life is full of nay sayers and people who don't understand the joy of pushing themselves relentlessly. Watching this video just made me feel like I'm not the only one, so thank you. Maybe someday I'll see you in Switzerland.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks a lot Ethan! We are many in the same boat. Keep up the good spirit and never give up! See you on the trails!

[@matsmith1984]

Hey Rafael! I loved this so much. What a journey. Beautifully shot with an honest heart. Loved the VoiceOver, score and editing too.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks a lot Mat really appreciated! Hoping to get more of these films out this year 🙏

[@trailfever]

Thanks for taking us along on those amazing views! Great race! Just signed up for the 50k. 🤙

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Fantastic! You will have a blast!!

[@johnmurphy6162]

This is one of the best videos I have seen! Well done on your achievement!

[@rafaelhidalgo]

@@johnmurphy6162 thanks so much John!!

[@johnmurphy6162]

@@rafaelhidalgo you're put this race on my radar!

[@rafaelhidalgo]

@@johnmurphy6162 it’s definitely a great race! And great race director! Check out the other films as well if you have a chance; you might also enjoy them 🙌

[@Bruce_S]

Fantastic. Congratulations!

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks!

[@oliverbaylis7773]

Determination, dedication, and discipline resonated with me, powerful stuff! What a great achievement, amazing footage too! 👏

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks so much! 🙏 stoked you enjoyed it! Appreciate you taking the time to drop a line.

[@hustensaftvernichter3785]

This was an excellent documentary of this insane journey. I am determined to break 100k on the trails in '23 after breaking 100k on road in '22. I figured this would be a worthwile race to go for, although I know it is going to be a grueling and absolutely merciless path. I have never run anything alpine ever, so my first event to get into it is going to be 88k in June... Choosing the extreme runs in the family and I might bite off more than I can chew, but I am sure the experience will be a treasure.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks a lot! All i can say is: go for it! We are never ready enough. Sometimes you gotta just jump into the unknown. Control the things you can like training and prepare as best within then constraints of your family and work life then use purpose to pull you through the low patches. I defenitely recommend the Swiss Alps 100. Beautiful course, great organization and super well located logistically as it’s a loop around the sport center. Keep me posted on how you do and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out (I’m on Instagram).

[@hustensaftvernichter3785]

@@rafaelhidalgo Update: Did it.

[@ruckylick7888]

I really enjoyed this, well done. A superbly put together account of a long hard day! That was my first go at 100km and I'll take the memories with me for a long, long time!

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks a lot! You were there too this year? Awesome! We probably crossed paths at some point then!

[@ruckylick7888]

We weren't too far apart! Hope to see you on a trail sometime soon

[@nicmarlow6388]

fabulous video! Was totally there with you feeling every single km of that journey! with 4 hours to go and 10km left to do I was happily saying "oh he'll easily do that" not knowing quite how someone would feel 90km into a 100km hugely challenging race. Huge kudos for not only finishing but within the goal you'd set yourself. beautiful! :)

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks a lot Nic! Really appreciate your support and taking the time to drop these beautiful lines 🙏 makes all the work of doing these films worth it 🤗

[@nicmarlow6388]

@@rafaelhidalgo I now need to go back and watch older videos too, such beautiful filming and commentary throughout, really enjoyed it a lot. wholesome content 🥰

[@rafaelhidalgo]

@@nicmarlow6388 thanks Nic! Hope you enjoy the other films too. I see these adventures as experiences that go beyond the physical and try to reflect the mental and emotional odyssey that we go through in the process; a journey akin to life ☀️

[@ברק-נ7ד]

Hello Rafael. Your films just keep improving, such beatifull landscape. For me it was a huge bonus to participate and have a film like that to remember the race. Thanks a lot and maybe we meet again in another race😁

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks a lot for your message! Was great meeting you in the race! You were very fast haha i couldn’t keep up! It certainly was a heavenly landscape! Beautiful! Hope we can catchup in another race. In 2023 I hope to do UTMB.

[@ברק-נ7ד]

I am aiming for the Tds

[@rafaelhidalgo]

@@ברק-נ7ד fantastic! Tough race! That’s cool let’s try to connect in Chamonix next year then! Send me a message on instagram or facebook so we can be more easily in touch.

[@ברק-נ7ד]

Do not have instegram or facebeook but I will find a way to be in touch😄. Good luck in the lottery🤞

[@rafaelhidalgo]

@@ברק-נ7ד send me an email on [e-mail]

[@anthonycockings]

Well recorded, produced, edited and narrated! I felt your pain. Great job!

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks a lot Anthony! 🙏

[@chantelledebruin1066]

To all the ultra runners 🎉🎉 Well done 🎉🎉🎉

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks!! 🤗

[@hinrichfuchs]

Dein Massage-Stab würde mich auch noch interessieren ;-) ..... Gott, japp..... da muss ein eigenes Video her!

[@MrRoper-pp9mx]

Shame you had ro mention global warming.. the glaciers have been melting simce the emd of the ice age… for that reason I’ m out

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks for dropping a few lines.

[@Welther47]

18:00 You don't need to get philisophical. I know you get those feelings out there, so do I. But we don't need to be romanticized here. The Spielberg warmove theme after is a much better way to convey to the majestic feelings you have.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

We will agree to disagree 😁

[@Welther47]

@@rafaelhidalgo It feels like you are preaching life lessons. It's okay. I'll just let you know that it made me stop watching right there. And if I did it, so will others, cause I'm not that unique.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

@@Welther47 no problem everyone is different. The population is normally distributed so for one person who hates it there is one that loves it 🙌 but thanks for dropping a few lines 😉

[@Welther47]

@@rafaelhidalgo you're welcome. I do admire the effort.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

@@Welther47 thanks 🙂

[@NNN-bo7vu]

Great story, Great film 🎥

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Thanks!